Tag: Insulation in Mansfield

Is it time for Attic Insulation Installation in Mansfield? What is the best type to choose? Let us focus on four specific types. One is blown attic insulation the other is batt insulation. Each type has pros and cons. However, which is the best choice for you.

One of the best advantages of blown attic insulation over batt is that the blown style covers everything; while there can be open areas in the batt type.

When you’re looking to have your home or building insulated with spray foam insulation, you have a couple of product choices. Whether you go with closed foam or open foam insulation, the differences in their make will make a big difference in which one will work best for your needs.

Radiant barrier insulation has one reflective side that is made from an aluminum coating. Any radiant barrier insulation can be installed in an existing or new home. The reflective side of the barrier insulation is made to face the open air pocket of the surface.

Almost all Attic Insulation Installation in Mansfield are tested and rated as fireproof. If for some strange reason you find one that is not, stay away from that product.

The Three Important Types of Attic Insulation

Are you considering insulating your home? You might be wondering what type of insulation would be the best fit for you. It is imperative to have the proper amount of insulation in your home. Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance often referred to as "R-value", which indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the effectiveness of the insulator will be. The R-value of the insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and its density. The three most common types of insulation used in residential or commercial buildings are fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and polyurethane foam.

Fiberglass insulation is made from molten glass and recycled industrial waste. The fiberglass insulation carries an R-value of 3.14 per inch. Although, the fiberglass insulation is cheap there are many deficiencies with the product. Gaps tend to form between each fiberglass batt (known as bypasses) these gaps can become sites of air infiltration or condensation. Each of these deficiencies will reduce the effectiveness of the insulation resulting in a lowered R-value. A vapor barrier must be included in the installation of the fiberglass to prevent condensation and mold form growing. Fiberglass insulation is also hazardous to your health

Blown cellulose insulation is 100% natural and is made from recycled newspapers. The cellulose is treated with a flame retardant and insect repellent to prevent potential fire risks and wildlife infestations. Blown cellulose has an R-value of 3.70 per inch. Unlike fiberglass, Cellulose contains some moisture control characteristics, which prevents the accumulation of condensation and the growth of mold.

Another commonly used insulator in residential homes and commercial buildings is Polyurethane Foam, also referred to as "Spray Foam". The polyurethane foam comes in two different forms, open cell and closed cell. The open cell spray foam insulation is a low-density material. The open cell foam carries an R-Value of 5 to 5.5 per inch. The second type of polyurethane foam available is referred to as "closed-cell foam". Closed-Cell is a high-density foam carrying an R-value of 7.5 per inch. The closed cell foam is dense enough to improve the structural integrity of the building it is applied to. Some advantages of the Spray foam insulation include; air sealing in gaps and penetrations where blown cellulose and fiberglass bats cannot reach, the foam can fill wall cavities in finished walls, it can also act as a sound barrier and can increase the structural integrity of a building as well as provide its own vapor barrier. Spray foam insulation is the most efficient insulating product in the market today.

The Purpose of Radiant Barrier Insulation

Scenario:

I have just completed an addition to my house. I've heard that blown in insulation is better than batts since covers the joists completely and leaves no open areas. Do you have any do it yourself suggestions?

Solution:

Yes you are correct. Blown in insulation is better that batts when installed properly as it does seal the attic better.

First you need to measure your attic area that you plan on insulating. Most attics require a value of R-30, R-38 or R-49, depending on your climate and location. Once you know the square footage of your attic you can determine how much insulation you'll need by simple looking on the chart located on the bag of insulation.

Before you get started you will need to determine what materials you will need. Assuming your home has recessed lights, ceiling and bathroom fans and eave vents you will need the following tools and materials:

Loose Fill Insulation

Cardboard Baffles

Flashing

Duct Tape

Staple Hammer and Staples

Utility Knife

Ladder

Insulation Blowing Machine (Available at your local rental store)

I've found blowing insulation into the attic is a simple process. Start and the far ends of the attic. Going back and forth make sure its level and smooth. Make sure to get all areas of the attic and don't fill any vents or recessed light areas. Take a tape measure with you and check the levels once in a while. As an example, if your installing an R-38 of fiberglass insulation you would want it to measure 16 inches deep. As you work your way back near the attic access make sure your helper is getting that excess hose out of the way. When you get to about 6 feet from the access hole stop the machine so you can get on the ladder. Once on the ladder finish installing, making sure to bring the level evenly against the dam you previously built.

The final step is to place a piece of batt insulation in the access hole and carefully put the attic hole lid back into place. Now your done! Stay out of that attic as much as possible from this point as loose fill insulation that has been stepped on or crushed looses it's R value.